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Old Princess He chuckled, “Those idle rich kids, my son disciplined them well. I can accept the compensation. As for Empress Wang’s scolding, well, pardon my irreverence, I’ll just let it pass like a breeze. After all, she can’t really do anything to me…”
Later, the old Marquis took the children and pets out to play, while Lu Man and He Cheng went to the bedroom to check old Princess He’s pulse. They found her in good health during this period, and He Cheng administered a needle treatment.
While He Cheng was doing his work, Lu Man and Song Ming left the bedroom and went to the hall.
Lu Man commented, “It’s quite a coincidence. My brother went to a tavern for the first time and encountered so many troublemakers.”
This incident lingered in her mind, refusing to fade away.
Song Ming glanced at Lu Man, opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again.
Concerned, Lu Man urged, “Is there something the Prince can’t tell me? If you know any inside information, please inform me so I can warn my brother.”
Song Ming said in a low voice, “I sent someone to investigate. Someone inadvertently told Huang Liuye about asking He Cheng to go to the restaurant, the speaker was unintentional, the listener was intentional, how could it be known by Shu Jialang. Later, Shu Jialang ‘unintentionally’ told Wang Haobai and the arrogant Zhu Jinqi of the Zhu family……”
“Shu Jialang?” Lu Man exclaimed, not recognizing anyone with the surname Shu, especially a male. Suddenly a realization struck her, and she asked, “Is he Shu Mingwei’s brother?”
Song Ming nodded, saying, “Yes, the brother of Miss Shu.” And with a significant implication, he added, “I heard that Shu Jialang is getting along quite well with Wang Haobai and some young men from the Hong family.”
Lu Man’s expression grew serious, these individuals were working together to help Jiang Zhanwei find a spare tire, even plotting against He Cheng.
Song Ming continued, “Their collaboration is not solely because Miss Shu believes Zhanwei has ulterior motives and wants to replace you. It’s also due to Zhanwei leading the Black Furry Camp to numerous successes, earning the Emperor’s admiration. The future seems limitless for him. The Wang family has been forming alliances in the court, perhaps they see Jiang Zhanwei, dissatisfied with his marriage arrangement and at odds with Princess Changting and the old Marquis Jiang, as someone they want to bring over as well.”
One was personal, the other political.
Lu Man seethed inwardly, cursing Jiang Zhanwei once more. Regardless of the reason, her brother’s recent misfortune was all because of him.
She smirked and said, “If they are going to such lengths to target me because of Jiang Zhanwei, they are really overestimating me.” Letting out a sigh, she added, “My brother is a man, can’t keep him cooped up at home like a woman from the inner chambers. But if he goes out, I fear someone might take advantage of him.”
Song Ming chuckled, “Third Young Lady, don’t worry. Those people are the leaders of the capital’s idle rich, they’ve been taught a lesson this time, and it’s clear that I, Fourth Aunt Princess Changting, and old Duke Xie are all supporting He Cheng. I doubt anyone will dare see him as an easy target again.”
True enough, Lu Man expressed her gratitude to Song Ming once more.
Song Ming waved his hand, smiling, “You’ve helped my mother and son a lot, it’s only fair.” He advised, “Cheng is young, he must be cautious in choosing friends, not to be manipulated or led astray, giving others a chance. In that way, even if others want to help, they won’t be able to.”
Lu Man nodded. Thankfully, her brother was sensible and obedient, dealing with a disobedient child would be infuriating.
She cleared her throat and chuckled, “Well, Prince He, um, I have another favor to ask, could you possibly help?”
Eager to assist Lu Man, Song Ming replied, “Third Young Lady, please tell me your request. Whatever it is, I will do my utmost to help.”
Blushing slightly, Lu Man hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage and shared her request.
Unexpectedly, Song Ming raised an eyebrow upon hearing her request, studying Lu Man carefully, finding it somewhat unbelievable. In his previous perception, Lu Man was a pure, intelligent, gentle, virtuous, beautiful, and kind woman – how could she think of such a thing?
Seeing Song Ming’s playful expression, Lu Man felt a bit guilty, her face growing even redder. She explained in a low voice, “That person has gone too far. Not only did they bully me, but now they’re bullying my brother too. I want to give them a taste of their own medicine, so they stop focusing their efforts on others.”
An eye for an eye, a commendable virtue. Retaliating with kindness is the wise choice.
Laughing heartily, Song Ming said, “Alright, I will make sure Third Young Lady is satisfied. However, give me some time. I need to find the right person and the right opportunity for everything to fall into place.”
Lu Man’s face lit up with a smile, her eyes twinkling as she cheerfully responded, “Thank you, Prince He.”
She felt that Song Ming was like an older brother, making interactions with him comfortable and relaxed most of the time, except for the awkward incident of “eavesdropping”.
No wonder Princess Changting often referred to Song Ming as a “little fox”.
Song Ming chuckled, “You’re too kind, Third Young Lady, stay tuned for good news.”
After having lunch at the Prince He’s residence, Lu Man and her companions bid farewell and left. Song Ming saw them off, then had Mama Duan take the crying Song Mo back inside to rest.
Returning to his room, he informed the old Princess He, who was still seated in the adjacent room, “Mother, you should rest, and I’ll head to the study in the front yard.”
Old Princess He remained seated, pointed to a chair beside her, and with a serious expression asked, “Sit down, son.”
“Is there something on your mind, Mother?” Song Ming inquired after taking a seat.
After carefully choosing her words, old Princess He asked Song Ming, “Tell me the truth, have you not married an official wife because of Jiang Zhanwei’s wife?” Her expression darkened as she continued, “No matter how good she is, she belongs to someone else and will bear children for them.”
Seeing her son staring at her with a slight daze, old Princess He added, “You are my son. Your obvious gaze towards Jiang Zhanwei’s wife just now, can’t I guess what’s going on?” Her tone became more severe, “Thankfully, old Marquis Jiang is ill, He Cheng is young and simple-minded, the other two are just children. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to hide your feelings.”
Song Ming blushed deeply. He had always harbored an unspoken desire, believing he had kept it well hidden, only daring to gaze at her back when he could, yet his mother saw through him.
Coughing to mask his embarrassment, he spoke softly, “Mother, um, Jiang Zhanwei risks his life at the border to earn military merit, angered that his family disregards his feelings, forcing him to marry for political gain. He plans to achieve fame and return to divorce his wife, seeking to wash away his humiliation. Lu Man is well aware of his intentions and waits for him to return and dissolve the marriage. I, I…”
The old Princess looked at Song Ming in disbelief, her tone stern as she exclaimed, “How did you know about this secretive matter? Did Jiang Zhanwei’s wife tell you? Heavens, I thought she was a sensible child, how could she confide in an outsider about this? Stop associating with her in the future, and forbid Mo from visiting her house.”